Ambassadors

Katie Furness is a McTimony Chiropractor and a yoga therapist. Taking a holistic approach, Katie treats causes rather than symptoms and offers compelte care to all ages and abilities, including pregnancy. Her practice is based in the Heart of Belsize Park, NW3, where she uses a combination of techniques.

After dabbling into various physical activities, I discovered yoga in 2006 in Manila, my hometown. From my first day of practice, yoga had a deep impact in the way I perceive myself and the world around me. Initially, I did the yoga for its physical benefits but now, I do it for the mental clarity and that sense of inner peace I get after a good practice. It has taught me to be fearless in the face of challenges.My calling is to share with the world the gift of yoga. In 2008, I completed Bikram Yoga 9-week teacher training with Bikram Choudhury in Acapulco. I have also trained with Jimmy Barkan (levels 1, 2 &3), and Baron Baptiste (Power Vinyasa Yoga).In 2011, my life dream came true when I opened my own yoga studio in Dublin where I help my students change their life one pose at a time.

'I have a few Wellicious pieces and I love the leggings and the cool top the most. The cool top is very flattering and the look can be used in and out of the studio!'

I have practiced Yoga for about 25 years and taught since 2002. For me Yoga isn’t just something you do on your mat with a teacher but a lifestyle, a whole way of living and thinking. I encourage my students to do a little bit of Yoga everyday. Whether that is 15 minutes of asana practice or Yoga breathing in bed before sleep or mindfulness practices around emotional wellbeing during a busy day at work.My classes are an eclectic mix of asana and creative sequences and I always like to emphasise the importance of relaxation and breath awareness as part of any Yoga practice. I enjoy sharing the rich philosophy of Yoga with my students, and how it can positively impact our daily lives and our relationships. In 2013 as Yoga Alliance SYT I was accredited to deliver a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Programme, which has been a complete joy. We are currently about to launch our 100 hour Advanced Teaching Workshops and CPD, life just gets better!

"I am delighted to have found Wellicious as the products are Earth friendly and the people who work for the company are warm, inspiring and have a high degree of integrity. It is the sort of company I am happy to be involved with, it feels right and supports who I am and what I do."

Myrna attended the Dance Academy of Amsterdam and was a professional dancer for many years, starring in hit musicals such as Chicago and Saturday Night Fever.15 years ago she shifted her energy and became a yoga teacher. She is now the owner of Yogadreams, a well-known yoga studio near Amsterdam:After her Ashtanga/Vinyasa yoga training in Montfoort she went to LA to learn from one of the best, Shiva Rea. During this training she discovered a unique mix of flow, power, relaxation, music, and dance.Myrna’s lessons are characterized by a lovely flow and her voice will guide you into a deep relaxation. For Myrna, yoga is so much more than just asanas. She will encourage you to make yoga part of your daily life.Myrna is giving retreats all over the world from Italy, Costa Rica, Ibiza, Marrakesh, Cyprus and Portugal.

My classes revolve around invigorating the senses, inspiring the soul and encouraging my students to discover the deeper layers of the self, assisting them in bringing positive energy and transformation into their lives. With a background in dance, movement and energy healing I also use sound and essential oils, bringing balance and fluidity for the body, mind and spirit.

Prior to yoga, while in Los Angeles, I worked in the entertainment industry marketing for major film companies, following a career as a real estate entrepreneur. But it was yoga that turned my attention inward to truly take care of myself and my family, living a more beautiful and balanced life. I have always had an interest in a holistic lifestyle that compelled me to help others, furthering my passion to promote and support a positive and healthy well-being. I am deeply grateful for all the teachers on my journey so far, most especially my two young children.

"I love that Wellicous is created by a fellow mumpreneur and yogini. I think it’s beautiful to see empowered women doing it all while promoting a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. I love the ethics behind the brand and the clothes – not only are they eco-friendly but also beautiful and versatile - easily going from on the mat to off the mat."

Loved by clients for her resonant voice, understanding of the human body and heartfelt and dedicated teaching approach, Sol gives each session her full attention. Expect energising and flowing sessions that will drive you to discover new, fresh aspects of yourself and your practice when you're in Sol's healing hands.Born to an active life incorporating sports as diverse as choreographed dance, basketball and cycling, Sol was first introduced to yoga at age ten and - through using yoga and studies of mind, body and being to work through her own rehabilitation - recovered from a knee operation 4 years later to eventually run a marathon, finish a half ironman and 10km ocean in her thirties.

This drive and zest for knowledge and transformation are mirrored in a lifelong fascination with the human body and spirit. Sol's private yoga, Pilates and energy healing based therapy sessions are an expression of the depth of her passion - after years of working with clients with special needs such as training for the Paralympics, recovering from trauma and surviving cancer. Instead of "teaching yoga or Pilates", Sol believes that these forms of movement offer gateways to presencing particular person and allowing them to shift deeply and profoundly from within. This has been Sol's own experience both lived and experienced with clients as well as researched and studied. She believes students need to bring a willingness to shift and find what resonates with them in any particular moment to step fully onto their path. Courage with compassion, the way of the spiritual warrior resonate deeply with Sol.Originally certified in Stott Pilates reformer and mat in 2010, swiftly followed by a number of trainings, certifications and a lot of regular classes and private clients, Sol's greatest influences are her initial energy work and Hatha yoga experience from her teens, her advanced teacher trainers, the internationally highly regarded Ana Forrest and Simon Borg-Olivier of Yoga Synergy, as well as in depth energy healing work with Ghata Iris Engels throughout 2013 and 2014 and lastly, her own body's many injuries and conditions during ten years working in other industries before returning back to her yogic path.With a degree in journalism and her "former life" encompassing team leading, writing, modelling and presenting, Sol has created her own wellbeing company to shine her light wherever it helps the most. You'll find an extensive body of Sol's work online. If you're new to yoga, check out her column on "why yoga" here on the SBS website; http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2013/11/07/body-mind-and-sol-why-and-how-should-i-yoga

I was born in Cape Town. Since I was a girl I had a burning desire in my heart for movement, dance and music. However, being a child of colour, I was devout of the possibility to attend a ballet school . At age 10 I was very lucky to become the youngest member of a political dance group against the apartheid system. However because of the commitment of our family, the situation became somewhat dicey, so we moved to Germany. I finally had the opportunity to complete training as a dancer and a few years later followed the trainings as a certified movement therapist, yoga and Pilates teacher . Through my work I have the opportunity to travel a lot . Each trip brings me closer to what I've been doing with absolute devotion for 23 years - teaching , lead trainings and my great curiosity about the human body . Whether, in my own yoga and Pilates studio in Munich, as an expert in front of the camera or author, I am passionate about what I do. I teach classical Hatha, Iyengar, Vinyasa, Yin Yoga, Pilates and I work a lot with the fascia . For me, the top priority is to give my students room and never force them into a specific pattern. Why should I force someone to lie on their back in Savasana if they feel comfortable on their belly?!

'I like the variety of styles, materials and colours and the good quality [of Wellicious]. It's like a second skin!'

Movement has always been a fascinating tool to connect with the body for me. During my childhood, I have been doing Ballet for many years. Later on I continued dancing Jazz Dance in professional formations and practiced Pilates.

It seemed just a matter of time that I would eventually get in touch with Yoga. I discovered the magics of connecting the fascination of movement with the mind in the Netherlands, where I met my first Yoga teachers. Especially the effects of Ashtanga Yoga were mesmerizing to me. Ashtanga Yoga is a very dynamic Yoga practice that requires breathing awareness and a focused mind. The healthy and meditative effects of this method profoundly influenced my way of looking at movement and physical practice.

I have been traveling to Mysore, the home of Ashtanga Yoga, to deepen my Yoga practice and to become a Yoga teacher and instructor of the Ashtanga Yoga method. After my travels and studies of Yoga in India, I settled in Leipzig, Germany, and have been teaching Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga there ever since.

Candace is an international yoga instructor and the writer behind the popular healthy living blog Yoga by Candace. She encourages students to turn inward during their practice and she enjoys teaching classes with playful sequencing, always approaching teaching with a sense of honesty and humour.

'I love Wellicious' commitment to sustainability and the environment. Their mats are top notch, and the clothes are super soft.'

Birgitta began dancing classical ballet in Oslo when she was 8, kept on going with Jazz-ballet and tap as well. When she was 16 she had gone through some Aerobics years and training as well - and started teaching at a very young age at a local fitness studio - while still dancing. Birgitta taught many years and at the same time she was studying media/politics as well as modelling - and with 30 she started a Yoga teacher training on Larchmont in Hancock Park in Los Angeles. There 3 months turned into nearly 4 years...with teaching and developing gradually the trademarked Long`n Lean®, Pop Yoga and a mellow Candlelight stretching class both in Oslo at studios such as Balance yoga studio and within the large fitness chain Elixia and abroad (Lanzarote, Malta, Hollywood, Santa Monica etc.)'[Wellicious has] Lovely pastes, flowing fabrics, light and elegant'

Sonja's biography is marked by dancing, sports, fitness and of course yoga. Originally Sonja was at home in dentistry - she then left this area early to deal intensively with more physically and spiritually oriented subjects. Sonja made her first yogic experiences directly in India, where she had her first encounter with the fascinating Indian spirituality.

During her time as a fitness professional in the group training area and as a personnel manager for a large fitness chain, Sonja recognized early on the trend with yoga and developed the yoga WOYO® concept for a wider audience. In addition to her passion for yoga, Sonja's interests cover various forms of modern body work such as Pilates and the new trend Aerial Yoga. Sonja studied yoga styles such as Iyengar Yoga, Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and Kundalini Yoga. Sonja fulfilled her wish for her own yoga studio in 2003 when they opened together with Peter Schlösser the WOYO® Club in Munich. In the same year they offered the first Hatha Yoga training (WOYO style). Sonja feels that teaching and training/mentoring is her great passion and vocation. Sonja is known for her gift, to convey clearly and understandably the things she learned through many years of experience in the classroom.

'Wellicious stands for high quality and eco-friendly materials with a modern Style.'

Kiki is a beauty seeker, a mom of two, a happy yogini and a Reiki practitioner. Kiki yogini is a certified teacher of Kundalini Yoga Flow, Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga and Yoga for Mom & Baby. Her style combines fluid movement, music, meditation and pranayama, to free from negative energy accumulated in order to develop the ability to deal with all the daily challenges by using your own body, mind and spirit with flexibility, openness , balance and resilience. Kiki is a sahajiya, a bhava and a yogini who firmly believes in grace, in the beauty of imperfection and in the power of gratitude. She loves the fluid motion, to sweat, to devour books, to practice yoga on and off the mat, the good food and the real people.

It is as an actress of an American acting troupe , where I discovered yoga to calm me down before I went on stage . Yoga is very important for me and helps me to find more balance and to feel more in tune with myself. Back on stage in Paris and after the creation of my own theater group, I studied yoga and finished a teacher training at the Center for Yoga with Michelle Marsh Jacobi. This training is recognized by Yoga Alliance and allows me to teach in two languages that I speak fluently.Yoga is a way for me to find to myself . The body is the temple of the soul and yoga is a way to get back to the basics , where our inner voice can express itself and where you learn to listen properly to your yourself. In this way we become more resilient, more relaxed and experience physical as well as mental harmony.Because I have personally experienced the benefits of yoga on body and mind, I believe in the power of it and now want to support people in need with this knowledge. With this hope in mind, I am educating myself further to become a yoga therapist.

'Throughout the natural materials and fabric Wellicious uses, they respect environment and also the body, I like that! '

Tiina Vainio holds master's degrees in social sciences and media studies. She developed the Sauna Yoga technique and is highly regarded as a yoga instructor. She has worked for 14 years with the world-renowned Les Mills International group fitness programs, as well as leading marketing and concept design projects with advertising and design agencies for various wellness brands. A few years ago she became inspired by the quiet room in a local health club in London, where people could sit in their bathrobes on sun loungers as they gazed silently through the window at the canalside. This felt very Finnish to Vainio, and it prompted her to think of the sauna, where it is natural to enjoy silence and to be quiet in the presence of other people. She began to refine her ideas into an activity to be done in the sauna. Now there are over 30 companies all over Finland that offer Sauna Yoga classes to their customers. There are 140 qualified trainers. In 2013, Sauna Yoga classes will also be launched in Sweden, Spain and Estonia.

'I like the way they look and feel on my skin. I also really appreciate the fact that they are ecologically sound.'

About Sonja Zernick: Since May 2005 I am the owner of the mobile Yoga School “The Little Yoga Garden" and since December 2007 I am the director and founder of "Yoga & Relaxation Centre" in Hannover, Germany. I am 38 years of age and a mother of a 14-year-old son. In addition to my apprenticeship as a nationally recognized educator, called “Marmayogalehrerin ® by Dr. Roque Lobo” (IPSG), I am a Yoga teacher for children and young people (with a total of 500 lessons) and besides the training as a relaxation instructor I have a large repertoire of training for Yoga & relaxation techniques, various seminars and a lot of life experience to offer. Also, I am an Ayurvedic Marmaoil masseuse. To expand my own Yoga practice and the deepening of the Yoga-philosophy I visit Yoga classes, workshops and seminars regularly.The peculiarity of my listings is characterized by the fact that personal contact and the handling of the participants are very important to me. The most important thing for me is to inspire people with the topics of Yoga, self-awareness and to work with them through my bright spirit. With a work experience of over 19 years in various social areas I manage to respond to the individual needs of my participants in the combination of different methods. Especially the work with children and adults with special needs has become one of my specialties. The positive feedback from the people in my classes and seminars often inspire me to develop new ideas that I really like converting, and will help me grow and move forward.

I tried yoga for the first time in 2002, and I was hooked! Loved it ever since! The combination of physical activity, deep breathing, meditation and an absorbed feeling of presence. I completed my first education as a Yoga Teacher in the spring of 2012 and have been teaching since then!

I trained as a Yoga teacher at the Institut Français de Yoga with the inspiring Bernard Bouanchaud (who was himself a student of Desikachar). I am a member of the Institut Français de Yoga Ile de France. To further improve my own practice and teachings I took private lessons with France Réocreux (Institut Français de Yoga, Iyengar et Yoga de L’Energie). I am currently training to become a Yoga therapist and practice Zazen meditation.

Nadège is a certified 500h registered yoga teacher (with Yoga Alliance) and a teacher trainer. She started teaching yoga as well as belly dancing on the French Riviera in 2005. She then move back to the States, where she was first trained, in 2008. There, she was part of Snowcreek Yoga Studio in the moutain town of Leavenworth (WA), where she trained new teachers during the training session 2011/2012 in addition of teaching regular Vinyasa yoga classes. Nadège is specialized in Vinyasa Yoga, a flowing, dynamic, powerful and graceful style. She is highly influenced by the Yoga Master Shiva Rea and her poetic, fluid and creative teaching, and with who she did many trainings and workshops. Currently, Nadège brings this innovative style to the French Riviera where she now lives."For me, Yoga is a lifestyle. A fundamental tool to develop our inner strength, creativity, flexibility of body and mind, to be able to live everyday with an open heart."Nadege is part of the Sunshine Yoga Team in Monaco. She would like to thank Anette Shine for her support and for introducing her to Wellicious!

Ann-See is a leading fitness presenter, having been presenting for over 20 years in the UK and Europe, to as far afield as New Zealand and Brazil. She is the Bodybalance® Programme Knowledge Consultant for Les Mills International and is the Head Trainer in the UK. Aside from running yoga events and training courses in the UK and abroad, Ann-See actively practices martial arts and yoga, is a book author and believes in changing lives, one person at a time.

With yoga it has been love at first posture, and since then her life has been dedicated to this empowering and transformative process of placing the body and mind in a dynamic interplay to reach the consciousness of the perfect balance for her and for her students. She has been teaching yoga for over 20 years in Europe, USA (United Nations New York City), Australia, Japan, focusing especially on the body and mind alignment to reach profound state of awareness. This is her teaching core; a way of teaching that allowed her to be choosed to run advanced yoga workshops and classes all over the world. She has been teacher training running and designing Odaka Yoga Contremporaneo course recognized by Yoga Alliance (200 and 500 h) with Roberto Milletti for more than 10 years.